Using Facebook, Google or other Social Login Services

By now, almost all of us have done this - When trying to access a new service, you are given the option to create another account in the new service/website or login using your Facebook, Google or other social account. Why create another account with yet another username and password to remember? This is much easier!

From a usability perspective, this is certainly an easier and quicker option, and a big "security plus" is that you don't need to worry about your password getting hacked in the new service since the new service doesn't have access to or store your password.

However, you should consider how secure your Facebook, Google or other social media account is before tying it to other accounts. If your (i.e.) Facebook account isn't properly secured, then you are increasing your exposure if hacked by tying other accounts to it.

Key considerations:

Is my password complex? if the answer is no, change it and make it complex.

Do I use the same email address and password to login elsewhere? This is a big "security no-no". Change you password before tying the same credentials to another account! (And remember, using your UNH email address and/or password in a non UNH/USNH service is against USNH security policy. )

Do I have two-factor authentication enabled? Enabling a second authentication factor (i.e. one-time numerical tokens on a smart phone) reduces risk and prevents a hacker from accessing your account even if they know your password.

Facebook, Google and many other services let you require two-factor authentication to sign in to your account from unverified computers or devices. If someone logs into your account with the correct password but from an unverified computer or device, a code is sent to your mobile phone. This code must be provided to gain access to your account. This prevents a hacker that knows your password from gaining access.

Beyond security, you should also consider privacy when using social logins. While you will not be sharing your password with a service you login to using Facebook, Google, etc., you will be sharing parts of your social identity. Make sure you read the fine print and are aware of the access you are providing to the new service.